Submitted by San Juan Island Family Resource Center

January is National Mentoring Month and the mentoring program through the San Juan Island Family Resource Center is going strong.

Mentoring has made a positive impact for the children enrolled in the program and guarantees to a young person that there is a non-family member who cares about them and that they are not alone in their day-to-day challenges. Due to the rural island demographic, many children are raised here with no extended family. Research clearly shows that even children who have experienced great stress and adversity are significantly more resilient if they establish a close bond with at least one caring adult. The age range for this program is 7 to17 years old.

To learn more about the role mentoring plays in our community, and exciting volunteer opportunities contact the SJIFRC at 360-378-5246.

To celebrate mentoring month, the Journal is running a two-part Q&A series. This is part two.

Meet mentor Dennis Conrad and mentee Andy Quiroz, 12.

Journal: What is your favorite thing to do with your mentor?

Andy: My favorite things to do with my mentor are going on a ride together in one of Suzie’s Mopeds’ two seater cars and kicking field goals while he holds the ball.

Journal: Describe your mentor in three words.

Andy: Fun, caring and awesome.

Journal: What made you want to be a mentor?

Dennis: I wanted to be a mentor because there was a great need, and I like kids.

Journal: What’s your favorite memory?

Dennis: My favorite memory with my mentee is watching him decorate Christmas cookies at my house and listening to him talk about how much fun he is having.